Welcome to my food blog! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar donuts and the soft, fluffy texture of muffins. These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of the day. They’re easy to make and absolutely delicious, with a tender crumb and a delightful cinnamon sugar coating.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

These muffins are:

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
• Deliciously Spiced: The perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious muffins, you’ll need:

For the Muffins:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin
• Muffin liners or non-stick spray
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Small bowl for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Topping: While the muffins are baking, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter in another bowl.
9. Coat the Muffins: Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. While they are still warm, dip the tops of each muffin in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature and enjoy the delicious taste of cinnamon sugar donuts in muffin form.

Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid tough muffins.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Coat the muffins while they are still warm for the best adherence of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These muffins can also be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a quick treat.

Food and Drink Pairings

These cinnamon sugar donut muffins pair wonderfully with:

• Coffee: A perfect match for your morning coffee or a relaxing afternoon break.
• Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
• Tea: Enjoy with a hot cup of tea for a delightful snack.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Q: Can I add other spices?
A: Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A: You can use all granulated sugar instead, but the brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor.

Q: Can I make mini muffins?
A: Yes, you can make mini muffins. Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes and check for doneness.

Q: How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?
A: Using high-quality muffin liners or spraying the liners with non-stick spray can help prevent sticking.

Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins as much as I do! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. Happy baking!